Manuel Almunia says the ongoing speculation surrounding Arsenal's goalkeeping options means it is "difficult to concentrate" and that if Mark Schwarzer does arrive at the club, he will be forced to reassess his options.

Almunia started the season as Arsene Wenger's No. 1 when taking the field for a 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, but the Gunners have spent the summer pursuing Mark Schwarzer, who has handed in a transfer request at Fulham in an attempt to push through a move to Emirates Stadium.

As well as reports of a possible new signing, Almunia has also been forced to contend with constant debate over whether he is fit to wear the gloves for Arsenal and whether Lukasz Fabianski or even the young Wojciech Szczesny is a better option for Wenger.

"To be honest, it is so difficult to concentrate because Arsenal is a big club and speculation is always in the news and everywhere," Almunia told the London Evening Standard.

"The only thing I can do is keep working because I have a contract here and I have to do what the manager wants from me. I have not spoken to him. If somebody comes in, I will have to talk about my future at Arsenal. That is it.

"I cannot talk now, because the talking would be for nothing. I have to work and if one day I am not good for Arsenal, I will talk. That is no problem. I am very happy here.

"The only news I have is from third parties - people at the training ground. When I go out and when I come back from training, I switch off."